Now, Ration scam unearthed in Karnataka? Shobha defends self

Bangalore, Feb 3: It seems that a new scam has been unearthed in Karnataka. This time it's neither related to illegal mining nor land denotification case, but is related to the ration system in the state.

According to a debate between MLAs in Karnataka assembly in Bangalore on Thursday, Feb 2, the state government has provided only 4 kg rice to each BPL card holder, though they are entitled to get 35 kg of rice, as per the central government's rule.

The issue over the ration system was raised in the assembly when opposition leader, JD(S) member K M Shivalingegowda attacked former Chief Minister BS Yeddyurappa's close aide and Food and Civil Supplies Minister Shobha Karandlaje during the question hour.

However, Shobha is believed to have solved the issue by counter-attacking the opposition leaders defending herself and the ministry.

Answering to the opposition leader's question, Shobha said, "We are only continuing with the unit system introduced in 2006. We are purchasing rice in the open market and distributing it to the BPL families, as the quota fixed by the Centre is far less for the number of BPL card holders in the State."

According to the minister (Shobha), confusion over distributing rice to BPL card holders emerged over bogus ration cards. Shobha informed that the state has been catering to 84,07,472 families where the centre allocates food grains for only 31.29 lakh BPL families.